Dance and Dementia: A Norwegian Duet

As I watched this year’s Sochi Winter Olympics, a couple of things become very clear to me: one, I feel sorry for the guy in the back of the two-man bobsled who has to keep his head down in his lap the entire race, and doesn’t really get to enjoy the ride; and two, for such a small country, Norway kicks butt, and as of the writing of this blog, currently leads all countries in gold medals.

Here at RB Cares, Norwegians kick butt too, and without them we couldn’t do what we do. Their dedication to helping run our organization and being teaching artists is certainly gold-medal worthy. I’m talking about Stine Moen and Hooba, both of whom come from Norway and currently do more teaching artist session than the rest of us.

Stine and Hooba met at the Norwegian College of Dance back in 2003. After three intensive years of being the same class, not really talking or being friends, their modern dance teacher told both of them to move to New York City and try Dance New Amsterdam for a year. As young adults from tiny towns in Norway, they decided to travel to the Big Apple together. In 2010 Hooba and Stine decided to start their own dance company together with a third excellent dancer, Sara Greenfield. The inspiration was their former dance teacher Ezra Caldwell. Physical modern dance, partnering, inspiration from martial arts and a good amount of math, you have Body Collider Dance. They have performed in all boroughs of NY as well as Norway and proudly premiered their first full evening show “Bare Knuckle High Fashion” last spring. Seven years of living together, working together and experiencing the life of a dancer in New York, Stine and Hooba are still best friends, dance partners and colleagues.

I thought I would ask them some questions about the Olympics and their dedication to the quality of life for people with dementia.

What brought you to Rhythm Break Cares?

“Stine,” says Hooba quickly.”Stine was the one who started working for RB Cares in 2011. It was all random that I happened to find this organization,” adds Stine. When the job was presented to me, I realized it had a lot to do with my education as a dance a movement counselor. After teaching sessions, falling in love with the work and being in need of more instructors, I got Hooba involved as well. “There have not been a lot of job opportunities as a dance and movement counselor in the health field since I moved here, and this was a great opportunity,” Hooba finishes.

What are your favorite moments at a RB Cares session?

“There’s so many great moments!” both of them say. Hooba continues telling about the elderly’s excitement the moment he walks into the room. “There’s the dancers, we’re going to dance!” is a common reaction. “It feels good to know they are happy to see us and the recognition is always a surprise,” adds Hooba. All sessions and centers are different, and they all have their moments. “My favorite moments are when you see the change in peoples mood or alertness,” says Stine. “The times when a person goes from being passive into getting up dancing and realizing it’s all fun and the change of mood is a fact, makes me smile.”

Why are Norwegians so good at the winter Olympics?

“Norway has a reputation for being on the top in the winter sports. We are proud people and don’t want to loose the reputation. Great access to winter, snow, mountains, and other important ingredients to create gold medal winners.” Also, there is a saying- “Norwegians are born with skies on their feet,” Says Stine.

What is your favorite winter Olympic sport?

“Biathlon,” say both of them. Biathlon can change the game plan easily from one shooting to the next. It’s never a safe game. Cross country sprint is also on the top of the list for Hooba. “A fast game, great athletes and fun to watch.”

Is there anything like RB Cares in Norway?

“Yes, Silje (Høgaas) and Julie (Skjønberg),” say both of them. “Our classmates from dance college started a project bevegelse fra hjertet, with dance and movement for people afflicted with Alzheimers’s and Dementia the last year of college. They had great success, got support and funding from the Norwegian government, and are now offering conferences, training, and activity cards alongside their individual work at nursing homes. They are also publishing their first book this spring. The main difference from RB Cares is that they use modern dance techniques and we are using partner dance with some modern dance influence,” says Stine and Hooba.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhythm Break Cares

Rhythm Break Cares was founded by a small group of professional ballroom dancers who recognize the powers of music, movement and touch as a unique and highly effective approach to address the widespread and...read more

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